As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) has issued an inspiring commemorative statement.
They have offered a Declaration of Commitment rooted in the Gospel.
Reading their declaration, I found myself filled with gratitude and hope. For nearly three centuries, Catholic sisters have been among the most courageous witnesses to God’s compassionate love in our nation. They educated children when few schools existed. They cared for the sick during epidemics. They welcomed immigrants, stood with the poor, advocated for justice, and quietly transformed countless lives through their faithful service.
Their ministries have always proclaimed a simple yet profound truth: every person bears the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity.
That conviction shines throughout this beautiful declaration.
LCWR commits itself to upholding the dignity of every human being, welcoming immigrants, dismantling racism, caring for Earth, alleviating poverty, rejecting violence, protecting voting rights, and promoting dialogue over division.
This is the Gospel.
Jesus consistently crossed boundaries to embrace those whom society rejected. He welcomed strangers, healed the marginalized, challenged systems of exclusion, and proclaimed God’s reign as one of justice, mercy, compassion, and peace.
LCWR reminds us that authentic discipleship always bears fruit in courageous action.
I was especially moved by these words:
“We pledge to live our call to be courageous witnesses of love—refusing to surrender our moral authority or succumb to despair.”
What a powerful commitment for our times.
As a Roman Catholic Woman Priest in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priest and as a member of the Sisters for Christian Community, I stand in deep solidarity with these remarkable women. Like so many others, my own ministry has been shaped by generations of Catholic sisters whose lives demonstrated that fidelity to the Gospel sometimes requires the courage to challenge unjust structures.
Although the Sisters for Christian Community is not a member congregation of LCWR, we share the same Gospel values and prophetic commitment to justice, peace, equality, and compassionate service. Our community was founded on the vision that all people are called to live the Gospel fully, wherever the Spirit leads. Like LCWR, we believe religious life is not defined primarily by institutions but by faithful discipleship and courageous love.
Many of us serving in inclusive Catholic communities today are walking paths first opened by courageous women religious. They taught us that prayer leads to action, that compassion demands justice, and that love is stronger than fear.
Their witness continues to inspire those of us working for a renewed Church where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are invited to serve according to their God-given gifts.
Yet as I read this declaration, I could not help but notice something both hopeful and unfinished.
LCWR beautifully affirms the dignity of every person and supports “every person’s journey toward the fullness of their humanity.”
I rejoice in that affirmation.
At the same time, I pray that one day our Church will fully recognize that this journey toward human flourishing includes the complete equality of women in every aspect of ecclesial life and ministry.
Women religious have led schools, hospitals, universities, retreat centers, justice ministries, and humanitarian efforts around the globe. They have been among the Church’s finest theologians, spiritual directors, educators, healers, and prophets.
Imagine what blessings would unfold if the institutional Church fully embraced women’s gifts in ordained ministry as well.
Across the world, Roman Catholic Women Priests are already serving vibrant faith communities. We celebrate the sacraments, accompany people through life’s joys and sorrows, preach the Gospel, and build communities rooted in shared leadership, justice, compassion, and equality.
Like the sisters of LCWR and communities such as the Sisters for Christian Community, we seek not privilege but faithful service. We are companions in the work of building God’s reign of justice, inclusion, and peace.
Our ministries arise from the same Spirit who has empowered courageous women throughout Christian history—from Mary Magdalene, the first witness to the Resurrection, to Phoebe the deacon, Prisca the teacher, Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, Dorothy Day, and the countless unnamed women whose faith has sustained the Church across the centuries.
The Holy Spirit has never stopped calling women.
Nor has the Holy Spirit stopped speaking through them.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, may we celebrate not only our history but also our future.
May we become a nation where every person’s dignity is protected- a nation with “liberty and justice for all.”
May we become a Church where every baptized person can respond freely to God’s call.
May we continue building communities rooted not in fear, hierarchy, or exclusion, but in the radical hospitality of Jesus.
Thank you, LCWR, for reminding us that hope is more than optimism. Hope is courageous love made visible. Hope is trusting that the Spirit continues to lead us into all truth.
And the Spirit, as always, is still speaking.
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